We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Fantastic...but spoiled by Russian trouble

Spent a week at Cornelia Diamond with another family who are good friends of ours. We could only stay for a week, with our friends staying on another week. Firstly, what a great hotel. Huge and very impressive, clean, great staff, great rooms and food and drink available 24 hours a day. The most comprehensive 'all inclusive' we have stayed in. The swimming pools are like nothing else we have seen, and there is a range of activities to take part in through the day if you want to. The evening entertainment is in the impressive open air theatre, but there was lots of dancing evenings, so not really to our taste. However the Moscow Childrens Circus was really amazing!
Things then turned sour! The holiday was totally spolied by a truely terrifying incident involving the much mentioned (in other reviews) Russian contingent. OK, they are obviously from a different culture, and we have no problem with that and in most cases keep themselves to themselves. However, on the 6th night of our stay a group of approx 10 Russian 'yobs' decided to attack the hotel night club, with a focus on any British who happen to be there. This included our 2 teenage boys and the boys of our friends, who all suffered some level of injury (one of our sons was hit over the head with a bottle!). A British lady was hit over the head with a...Spent a week at Cornelia Diamond with another family who are good friends of ours. We could only stay for a week, with our friends staying on another week. Firstly, what a great hotel. Huge and very impressive, clean, great staff, great rooms and food and drink available 24 hours a day. The most comprehensive 'all inclusive' we have stayed in. The swimming pools are like nothing else we have seen, and there is a range of activities to take part in through the day if you want to. The evening entertainment is in the impressive open air theatre, but there was lots of dancing evenings, so not really to our taste. However the Moscow Childrens Circus was really amazing!

Things then turned sour! The holiday was totally spolied by a truely terrifying incident involving the much mentioned (in other reviews) Russian contingent. OK, they are obviously from a different culture, and we have no problem with that and in most cases keep themselves to themselves. However, on the 6th night of our stay a group of approx 10 Russian 'yobs' decided to attack the hotel night club, with a focus on any British who happen to be there. This included our 2 teenage boys and the boys of our friends, who all suffered some level of injury (one of our sons was hit over the head with a bottle!). A British lady was hit over the head with a chair, and she finished up in hospital. The night club was like a war zone! The hotel staff tried to stop the trouble, with many of them receiving injuries. It goes without saying this is not what you expect at this standard of hotel (well, anywhere actually!) and totally spoiled what had been a fantastic holiday. The hotel seemed unable to respond, with several of the yobs strolling around the following day as if nothing had happened (although we did hear that 2 had been taken away by the police). After this event the atmosphere changed - from certain groups of Russians there was a strong feeling of intimidation, and our teenagers (and our friends children) felt very unsafe. We had a meeting with the 'Security Manager' who said soothing words, but left us and our friends feeling that nothing was going to actually done to the perpetrators of the trouble, who would be left to roam the hotel.

Frankly, as we were going home after one more night, we had an escape route - but our friends had another week at the hotel. After some consideration they moved to another (inferior) hotel for the second week.

So in summary, fantastic hotel...More

Show less

Stayed: August 2009, travelled with family

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask LeicesterChipper about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

6 Thank LeicesterChipper

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

The thing with Trip advisor is – what’s great for somebody isnt necessarily great for someone else. I have worked in the travel industry for over 10 years and been to some top, top places and this is up there with the best of them. I absolutely loved this hotel and I would rush back given half the chance. Its probably easier for me to write the negatives first – lets be fair that’s what you will want to read about! Please bear in mind im expanding on the negatives but only briefly mentioning the highlights which by far outweigh any negatives.

Cultural MixAs mentioned in other reviews the resort doesn’t have many British people there. It holds 1700 at full capacity and the management advised only 8% were English. The vast majority are Russian guests made up of young couples and families. There is obviously a cultural difference with manors and etiquette but nothing that should majorly upset anyone. Upon check in we learned of an “incident” the previous night involving some Russians and some English however I wasn’t there so cant comment on what happened. Apparently the hotel sorted the situation out and the culprits were apparently thrown out. This was definitely a one off - there was no intimidating behaviour all week, in fact, we befriended many Russians during the day time activities.

EntertainmentThe entertainment consists of a pianist in the lobby 6-8ish, music at the dome bar (pool area) with a staged show 21.45-10.30. We found the shows of a poor and tacky nature apart from the Mongolian Circus which ironically was the best show I have ever seen! After this music was played at the main pool side bar area (Dome Bar) Again this was poor – with Euro Disco / Turkish Dance music none of which was listenable. Fortunately there were 9 in our party and even if I travelled with my wife we normally aren’t bothered by evening entertainment and will often retire after dinner. If entertainment is a major part of your holiday then this could be an issue – however the hotel is well aware of this issue and whilst the couldn’t do anything this season have vowed to sort this out for next season. There was a nightclub which played some “Western chart music” however this doesn’t open until 23.30 by which time you will probably have had enough. Bear in mind this hotel is 18mths old and are adjusting to the initial teething problems. The resort is dedicated to making it the best hotel possible.

Other minor bitsBelek is very poor for shops – don’t expect to buy much especially cheap “fake” clothes. I was offered T-shirts at €38 even more expensive then the real thing! Shop keepers didn’t want to barter either – well not to anywhere near my valuations. Apparently go to Antalya which is better. Tea – They haven’t got the hang of making English Tea. They regularly added hot milk which wasn’t great. We found by teaching certain staff and returning to them the problem was resolved. Dinner Reservations – you have to phone a number from your room between 18.00-20.00 to book a table for the following day (think of trying to get a sunbed in a German Resort) Bang on 18.00 the lines are jammed. Our party of 9 consisted of 3 rooms which was a nightmare to arrange.

Now the good bits – I’ll keep this as brief as possible

Wow factorThe hotel has to be one of the best hotels I have walked into. I however love funky modern décor and contemporary styling. I understand this isn’t everyone’s taste. The rooms were spacious with good storage space and excellent bathrooms. Only moan from the wife was the hairdryer wasn’t great so take your own! Flat screen tv’s and large mirrors made this a very comfortable room. Mini bar was restocked daily and 24hr Room service was included on the AI programme.

FoodIn all the hotel I have been I have never seen so much food and so much choice. In the buffet restaurant there must be 100 items all laid out. There is always something for everyone even the fussiest of eaters (the Mum Inlaw!!) We ate at the dome bar every daytime and we tried the Forester Pub, French Restaurant and Sapore. The Ala carte’s were excellent both with service and food. There is always a great choice of food and they will almost cook what ever you want!

ActivitiesThey have an entertainment team which run a wide variety of activities from Bowles and Aqua Aerobics to Darts and Riffle shooting. You can do as little or as much as you like but it’s a good way to meet other guests.

ServiceImpeccable - within seconds of sitting down a waiter will take your order. Food and drinks will be out before you know it! The manager told me they had 800 staff at the resort. For 1700 guest the ratios are very favourable (obviously all 800 arent on at once but even so). The choice was also amazing from soft drinks to Champagne everything was great and readily available. Staff were always friendly and seemed to love the polite guests that didn’t bark at them. In the restaurants wine was constantly topped up and plates cleared quickly.

This Management at this hotel are and keen to drive a larger UK audience there – go check it out for yourself, I doubt you’ll regret it!

Stayed: August 2009

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask buz2811 about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

3 Thank buz2811

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Where do i start with this fantastic holiday? I travelled for 1 week going for a romantic anniversary break for me and my partner. Prior to arrival i had been emailing Guest relations to arrange Champaign (which they didnt charge me for) and flowers for our arrival. Neslihan at guest relations was absolutly amazing at getting this arranged for us and even supprised us with an amazing sea view room on the top floor as a gift to us. She new our arrival time and was waiting in reception to greet us. Our bags were taken to our room and the champaign was quickly finished.

The hotel was exactly as all the pictures showed. Our room was so modern and clean. The mini bar was kept filled with soft and alcoholic drinks, our towles and bedding changed every day and room service was available 24 hours.

The pools were amazing and we were suprissed how quiet. We were by the pool or on the peir by 8am every morning and we had no problem in getting sun loungers. I would highly recomend the pier as the sea breeze is very welcome during midday and Haluk the lifeguard on the pier was fantastic company and we enjoyed watching him fish off the pier early in the morning.

The dome bar was perfect for an afternoon snack with a full menue or salad and fruits to help yourself to. The bar itsself is open 24 hours serving fantastic cocktails all day round. The icecream was on tap all day as well which was well needed with the 36-38 degree heat...

I was a little aprehensive about the food as a few reviewshad mentioned is wasnt great. The main eating area was like a canteen and yes the Russians are rude, pushy, loud and have no manners but we timed our breakfast and dinner around the busy times and managed to ovoid them.

We had managed during our stay to visit 3 of the paid restaurants and they wernt up to expectations but a nice atmosphere to relax whilst eating rather than the main dining area.. We visited the Fish, Chinese and Turkish restaurants and they were all worth the 6 Euro per head surcharge.

The bowling the pool room and Spa were all fantastic although we decided against any spa treatments because they were sooo expensive. infact anything that needed paying for in the hotel was. I.e sun tan lotion. 40Euros!!!

Well in summarry fantastic. i would recommend to anyone this place. It was a bit above what i would normally pay for a weeks holiday but the all inclusive was fantastic and i would 100% return again next year.

.

Stayed: August 2009, travelled as a couple

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

>

>

>

>

Ask jstanbridge about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

1 Thank jstanbridge

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

This wonderful hotel is the best choice for families with young children. It has any kind of facilities you can think to, and if you can find a detail that is not on their list, the staff will make it possible too! Everything is set for an unforgetable holliday, a place where you can rest and have fun in the same time. We were there last year, too, and I can say now that is even better this year. I would go back there any day.Congratulations to the staff, they are hard workers, a rare quality in our days.

Stayed: July 2009, travelled with family

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask twetee about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

Thank twetee

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

I have never felt the need to write a review before and the only thing which would make me do so if my holiay was so fantastic it deserved myself taking time out to describe how absolutely wonderful it was or that it was so dismal that i would need to warn others away.... This hotel was FANTASTIC !!! From the moment we arrived our luggage was carried by 1 of the hotel porters and as soon as we cheked in we recieved a glass of fresh orange. We were then shown to our room which unlike other hotels was exactlty how it looks in the broshure, contempary, spacouis with a huge balcony over looking the appartments which have two floors. Each room has its own contollable air conditioning to which you can set to as cool or as hot as you desire which was excellent when you have hair dryers and showers when getting read esp when it was 38c outside.The hotel offers 24/7 room service and the mini bar in the room is repplenished daily.

The food was delicious and varried so there was something for everyone, if like myself you like trying new food then excellent if like my partner or daughter your tastes are a little more english then the buffet has steaks chips salad cheese and for breakfast my daugher enjoyed your usual cereil of coco pops.The childrens club was excellent , they seemed to go the extra mile by dressing the children up in chefs outfits when making pizza,i had reservations of leaving my 5 year old within a childrens club but the staff and the room was very well equipt and everywhere had air conditioning even the out door toilets.

The other holiday makers who were there were mainly non english however as the week went on there seemed to be more english people arrving however that wasnt a problem to us as it just added to the whole atmosphere of the hotel. The hotel is so big that we didnt get to see everything on the numerous amounts of floors on our weeks stay.I would also reccomend this hotel to anyone with disabitlties as my mum is in a wheelchair and no part of the hotel was inaccesable to wheelchairs and did notice on a sign that there was a few disabled rooms, not that this would be needed as our room was very wheelcahir friendly.

To sum up this hotel it is absolutely fabulouse and worth every penny, I could not find fault with any part of the hotel staff or its facilties.

Stayed: August 2009, travelled with family

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask Turls28 about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

Thank Turls28

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We have just returned from the Cornelia Diamond and never been to Turkey or an all inclusive resort before, and will do both again without doubt.The hotel was amazing, we had a family room with swim up pool, and if you can get one of these rooms please spend a bit more and book it, they are brilliant.The entire staff work tirelessly to make your stay enjoyable and do not stop,they always have smiling faces and you do not wait a moment for food or drinks.The entertainment team do a great job and put so much effort into everything, and whilst the evening shows are a bit eurovision (in so many languages ), they are well put together and with such enthusiasm, the ampithetre is superb.We went with our 12 and 9 year old children who we hardly saw for 2 weeks on the hotels own waterslides all day, they had a brillinat time with other children they meet whilst there, and said they prefered this to Orlando, so some compliment there.Ok the hotel was full of mainly Russian guests, who are very rude and do not understand please thank you and queing, but you get use to it and have to adopt the same stance, there are very few english guests here but that is sometimes not a bad thing, you always find a waiter or barman who speak english.The pools are wonderful and go for miles, however you have to get down early for the best sun beds, but we alaways were able to get some in the end it was the towels on them all day and not used that does annoy you, but please try the sun bathing on the Pier it is bliss.The Hotel does not stop serving food all day which is always good quality, all drinks are free even the branded ones like Gordons, Black Label etc, ice creams as many as you want, free all day, pancakes all day, and you can easily put on the pounds as I am now noticing.The one moan I have would be the a la carte restaurant booking system,it is an automated system but you have to ring from your room at 6 on the dot if you want to get a table for the following night, the system is usually always engaged and by the time you get through all tables have gone, I had regular discussions with guest relations over this. They really need to sort it out as it does get to you a bit sometimes, as the main restaurant is the only alternative and as this is a bit like a canteen lots of queing with rude russians and bright lights,its not my idea of fine dining, but the quality of food is very good, but lets the Hotel down a bit and needs to be looked at.Other than that I was really really Pleased that we picked this hotel and this part of Turkey, its only 50 minute transfer from the Airport so again a big plus to the Cornelia diamond, the children already want to book for next year, and they cant stop talking about the Hotel.The Bowling and Spa are brilliant also, so much you forget all the places to go.I would recommend this Hotel to anyone, but just be aware of the Russians and the a la carte booking system, but in the end these are minor irritations when you are in paradise. Russell London August 12th

Stayed: August 2009, travelled with family

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask chesky6197 about Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

4 Thank chesky6197

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC